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Crunchy Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles

crunchy garlic dill refrigerator pickles - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crunchy garlic dill refrigerator pickles that are ready in as little as 2 hours. Perfect for a tangy, crisp snack or a flavorful addition to sandwiches and grilled meats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cucumbers, sliced into spears or rounds (preferably Kirby cucumbers)
  • 45 sprigs fresh dill
  • 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
  • 1 cup white vinegar (distilled white or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 cup water (filtered or tap)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt or pickling salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash 4 cups (about 4 medium) Kirby cucumbers thoroughly. Slice into spears about 3-4 inches long or into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  2. Peel 4 large garlic cloves and lightly crush with the side of a knife.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Heat gently until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Place fresh dill sprigs, crushed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) at the bottom of a clean 1-quart jar.
  5. Pack cucumber slices tightly on top without crushing them.
  6. Pour the warm brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a small clean weight or folded parchment paper to keep cucumbers under the brine if needed.
  7. Seal the jar tightly and gently shake to mix spices. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before tasting; for best flavor, wait 24 hours.
  8. Enjoy your crunchy garlic dill refrigerator pickles. They keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, developing more intense flavor over time.

Notes

Use fresh, firm Kirby cucumbers for best crunch. Dissolve salt and sugar in warm vinegar and water for even flavor. Keep cucumbers submerged under brine using a weight or parchment paper to maintain crunch. Refrigerate pickles and avoid opening the jar frequently during marinating. Sugar is optional but recommended to balance acidity. These pickles are not shelf-stable and must be kept refrigerated.

Nutrition

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